A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
